Preview: Celtics at Jazz

February 24, 2013|Reuters

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Preview: Celtics at Jazz

The Boston Celtics conclude their longest road trip of their season Monday when they visit the Utah Jazz. The excursion has been a microcosm for the up-and-down Celtics, who continue to ride a roller coaster through the season. Their one win on the trip was a 25-point thrashing of the Phoenix Suns, but they've lost their other three games, including a 92-86 setback at Portland on Sunday. Paul Pierce had 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

The Jazz had won three straight before suffering a 107-94 loss at the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson combined to score 34 points in the losing effort, which precedes a three-game homestand. That usually means good things for Utah, clinging to the seventh spot in the Western Conference. The Jazz are 21-6 at home this season and will be facing a Celtics club that is just 1-8 on the road against the West. Millsap had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a 98-93 loss at Boston on Nov. 14.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (29-27): Interestingly enough, Boston's rout of Phoenix came with Kevin Garnett getting a game off, while the three losses have included Garnett in the lineup. Against the Trail Blazers, he looked rested, scoring 20 points and grabbing nine boards to complement Pierce's outstanding effort. However, the two veterans got little support, which is what the Celtics need if they are going to have anything left down the stretch. Jeff Green, who had been providing a big boost, scored 11 points on 4-for-12 shooting, and new acquisition Jordan Crawford was scoreless in 12 minutes off the bench.

ABOUT THE JAZZ (31-25): Head coach Tyrone Corbin had to lean heavily on his bench in Saturday's loss. While Millsap and Jefferson provided their usual contributions, at least on offensive end, their fellow starters combined to produce zero points on 0-for-9 shooting, eight of those attempts coming from 3-point range. On the plus side was the play of Gordon Hayward, who led the way with 23 points off the bench in just his second game after a 10-game layoff to rest a shoulder injury. He did most of his damage with a 13-for-14 showing from the line. The Jazz bench had 29 of the team's 39 rebounds.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Upon concluding the road trip, Boston returns home for just one game before playing four of its next five on the road.